Lidl have opened their first ‘new concept’ shop that boasts wider aisles in a state-of-the-art energy efficient building.

The facility, in Banbridge, Co Down, took the supermarket chain five months to build and was opened today.

They say the new store, which measures nearly 30,000 square feet, represents a “multi-million pound investment into the locality by the retailer”.

Lidl has 38 stores across Northern Ireland, bringing the number of employees to 730.

The new store will also “ensure a greater focus on energy efficiency with a reduction of around 20%-30% on standard electricity costs via features like a SMART lighting system and an energy efficient heating system”.

Speaking about the launch Glen Cinnamon, Regional Director, Lidl Northern Ireland, said: “It is an exciting step for us to launch our inaugural ‘new concept’ store here in Banbridge. This state-of-the-art design will allow us to streamline our processes and enhance our customer shopping experience even further while still offering top quality products at market-leading prices.

“And this is just the beginning for us; we will continue to invest in new stores and modernisations over the coming months and years, bringing the best of Northern Irish produce to customers in towns and cities right across the country.”

Lidl say the new stores aisles are 27cm wider and there is an expanded bakery.